Are the mages listed for update more for Hype?

CrimsonCobra3·Feb 24, 2016·2 votes·504 views

My question is, are the mages they listed as the primary 6 more like figureheads for the Hype Train than the major trouble mages? They could have taken the opportunity to rework some more troubled mages like Yorick (if he is a mage), Anivia, Annie, or say, Swain. [This is a list of mages I think need reworking. In other words, it's my opinion.] However, they chose relatively high profile and popular mages that have always been a little 'awkward.' I'm simply wondering if they chose those champions not primarily because they needed the most work, but because they were 'good figureheads.'

Please post any ponderings, musings, ravings, or insights you have on the subject. (In other words, don't be afraid of posting vehement comments, so long as they are accurate to your actual opinion, I'll call it 'artistic critique' and be proud of it.)

15 Comments

QuephaFeb 24, 20162 votes

{quoted}

Yorick (if he is a mage)

He isn't. His project is also way too big to fit into a class update which is why they're planning to do him next after the mage update.

Anivia

She's distinct for a mage

Annie

Distinct for a mage

Swain

Riot has posted several times by now that their plans for Swain are too big to fit into a class update.

supermuffin28Feb 24, 20161 votes

in regards to swain. Can you link some threads? I got some deep feels for swain even if I'm a glutton for punishment and moved to bot lane.

QuephaFeb 24, 20162 votes

{quoted}

in regards to swain. Can you link some threads? I got some deep feels for swain even if I'm a glutton for punishment and moved to bot lane.

http://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/developer-corner/jQmE1EjE-mid-year-mage-update?show=flat&comment=00060009

supermuffin28Feb 24, 20161 votes

thank you kindly

CrimsonCobra3Feb 24, 20161 votes

{quoted}

http://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/developer-corner/jQmE1EjE-mid-year-mage-update?show=flat&comment=00060009

Thank you, I hadn't seen that post. (It makes me happy, Swain needs a rehaul.)

CrimsonCobra3Feb 24, 20161 votes

{quoted}

He isn't. His project is also way too big to fit into a class update which is why they're planning to do him next after the mage update.

She's distinct for a mage

Distinct for a mage

Riot has posted several times by now that their plans for Swain are too big to fit into a class update.

Thank you for your comprehensive rebuttal. (Excellently layed out.)

CrimsonCobra3Feb 24, 20161 votes

{quoted}

He isn't. His project is also way too big to fit into a class update which is why they're planning to do him next after the mage update.

She's distinct for a mage

Distinct for a mage

Riot has posted several times by now that their plans for Swain are too big to fit into a class update.

Note, Annie and Anivia are highly opinion based. I do not find them unique. (Well, I actually really like Anivia and Anni, but both feel lackluster to play for some reason.)

QuephaFeb 24, 20161 votes

{quoted}

Note, Annie and Anivia are highly opinion based. I do not find them unique. (Well, I actually really like Anivia and Anni, but both feel lackluster to play for some reason.)

Anivia is a waveclear/artillery mage with a wall that is a hugely powerful but nuanced tool to allow her to perform her role both in lane and during teamfights. No champion in the game has a tool quite like her wall and everyone instantly understands her strengths and weaknesses and even why you would pick her over similar mages like Xerath and Ziggs.

Annie is a very simple character that is useful for new players to easily learn. She has a definite window of power created by her passive that makes her powerful while still being very exploitable. Her ult is also very iconic. Despite having such a simple kit, Annie can be taken all the way up to challenger-tier play by players willing to perfect their Annie game.

CrimsonCobra3Feb 25, 20161 votes

{quoted}

Anivia is a waveclear/artillery mage with a wall that is a hugely powerful but nuanced tool to allow her to perform her role both in lane and during teamfights. No champion in the game has a tool quite like her wall and everyone instantly understands her strengths and weaknesses and even why you would pick her over similar mages like Xerath and Ziggs.

Annie is a very simple character that is useful for new players to easily learn. She has a definite window of power created by her passive that makes her powerful while still being very exploitable. Her ult is also very iconic. Despite having such a simple kit, Annie can be taken all the way up to challenger-tier play by players willing to perfect their Annie game.

Yes, and in all honesty, it probably shouldn't be changed. That said, there is only one part of her kit I love and that is her Ultimate. The rest of it seems 'alright.'

For some reason, the 'useful for new player to learn easily' card is always played with Annie. I don't understand it. That should not be a go-to argument that validates the character. I personally would love Annie to feel riskier and more dangerous to play as and against. I think she should feel volatile, to fit her thematic. But that is my personal opinion, and Riot is probably never going to act on it.

~CrimsonCobra3

QuephaFeb 25, 20161 votes

{quoted}

For some reason, the 'useful for new player to learn easily' card is always played with Annie. I don't understand it. That should not be a go-to argument that validates the character. I personally would love Annie to feel riskier and more dangerous to play as and against. I think she should feel volatile, to fit her thematic. But that is my personal opinion, and Riot is probably never going to act on it.

The game needs approachable champions for new players.

Annie is volatile, risky and dangerous, she's all the things you want her to be.

MisterHealYoGirlFeb 24, 20161 votes

Annie and Anivia are in pretty good spots. They didn't choose some of the other mages because of the scale of their problems. Some, like Syndra, can be helped by normal patches or a Twitch-level update, while others, like Swain or Galio, need more work than the group update can offer.

CrimsonCobra3Feb 24, 20161 votes

{quoted}

Annie and Anivia are in pretty good spots. They didn't choose some of the other mages because of the scale of their problems. Some, like Syndra, can be helped by normal patches or a Twitch-level update, while others, like Swain or Galio, need more work than the group update can offer.

So, more on the line of a complete overhaul than class update?

MisterHealYoGirlFeb 24, 20161 votes

Swain, definitely (full on VGU); I'm not sure about Galio. I feel like he just needs a new E.

CrimsonCobra3Feb 24, 20161 votes

{quoted}

Annie and Anivia are in pretty good spots. They didn't choose some of the other mages because of the scale of their problems. Some, like Syndra, can be helped by normal patches or a Twitch-level update, while others, like Swain or Galio, need more work than the group update can offer.

Ah, yes, Galio. I remember thinking of him now. Annie and Anivia aren't so much out of place as they are stale. They don't feel unique or exciting.

CrimsonCobra3Feb 24, 20161 votes

Note that I am not arguing that these are not very good figureheads, and that I will be very interested in what big changes will be given them, I'm simply far more interested in changes they might make to vast numbers of other mages. But then, that very lack of interest might bely something that truly needs to be changed. Do these 6 mages currently meet the expectations of their thematic? If they seem alright but lacking in some indescribable way, that may reveal the answer. So maybe they are in more need of aid then I made it appear? But not in technical or gameplay elements specifically, but in the reflection of theme their gameplay portrays.

That is what I want from the mage update anyway, I want mages to feel unique and really be more interesting to play.